In the early 2000s, it was typical for secondary school leavers in Nigeria to acquire basic computer skills, often at a street computer store. Parents and guardians believed that “learning computers will help them pass JAMB,” referring to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board exams, a university-entry exam.
Among these young secondary-school leavers was 17-year-old Frances Aborigho, who tinkered with computer software programmes such as Mavis Beacon in a business centre in Enugu, where she grew up. This foray into the digital space would become the springboard for a lifelong career in tech.
After a flourishing career in UI/UX design, Frances founded Sh’Emerge to recruit women, particularly young mothers, into tech careers without any formal background, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Frances’ enthusiasm for digital technology was dented by the demanding schedule of her undergraduate studies in medical parasitology and biological sciences. The flurry of classes and practical sessions left little time to nurture a hobby. However, a chance encounter with a cybersecurity expert in her final year at university reignited her interest in tech. The expert advised her to complete her degree first, which she did.
In 2010, fresh out of university, Frances landed a job in graphics, mastering animation and website design skills that eventually led her to Lagos.
But all of this soon came to a halt once she got married and had to resign from her job to focus on her family. With a master’s degree and an array of skills, she was troubled by the fact that she didn’t have a job and couldn’t contribute to her family.
“But I needed to balance my life, so I stopped work and began to stay at home. I kept thinking what can I do from home. After contacting people who needed my services and able to deliver at home. I knew that there was money in the air,” she said.
Subsequently, with support from her friends, she got a scholarship to study Ui/UX design, embarking on a journey that would redefine her path.
Empowering Women in Tech
A global study revealed that women constitute only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), a fast-rising sector. In Nigeria, while women make up 25% of tech employment, only 5% hold leadership positions, according to a February 2024 report by the tech startup Kwabol.
Spurred by her own experiences and the evident gender gap, Frances launched Sh’Emerge in 2018. Initially a one-off seminar on womanhood and work-life balance, Sh’Emerge has evolved into a full-fledged academy for young mothers, offering regular training in design, copywriting, branding among other skills.
“Many young moms either do not know what to do or do not have the necessary skills, and they all want to bond with their families,” Frances explained.
While Sh’Emerge provides free basic training in tech skills, it also offers intensive, one-on-one sessions at affordable costs. The academy encourages women to pursue non-coding tech careers to help them balance their professional and family life. Storytelling is a core part of Frances’ teaching, to ease the women into complex topics and processes. The women are expected to create tech products, to demonstrate their new knowledge
More than 2,000 women worldwide have benefited from Sh’Emerge’s virtual training programmes. Graduates receive assistance in securing jobs and internships, paving the way for successful tech careers. In 2023, Frances launched the annual Sh’Innovates Conference, celebrating the achievements of her students and other women in STEM.
Yet Frances efforts to onboard women into tech careers has not been without challenges. “The only challenge we are facing now is funding. Since inception, it has been self-funded all the way,” she noted. The lack of funding, Frances added, translated into limited infrastructure and manpower at the academy.
Yet these hurdles are overcome by Sh’Emerge’s vision to churn out many more women into the rising tech space. Frances Aborigho’s story is a testament to the power of education and empowerment in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future in tech—one where every woman, regardless of background, can thrive and innovate.
In the early 2000s, it was common for Nigerian secondary school graduates to learn basic computer skills to help pass university entry exams. Frances Aborigho, one such student, delved into computer software, leading to a career in UI/UX design. After struggling to balance her undergraduate studies and tech interests, she landed a job in graphics post-graduation. However, marriage and family responsibilities led her to work from home, eventually obtaining a scholarship to further her studies in UI/UX design.
Motivated by her experiences and the gender gap in tech, Frances founded Sh'Emerge in 2018 to empower women, particularly young mothers, by offering training in tech and other skills. The academy provides free basic training and affordable one-on-one sessions, focusing on non-coding careers to allow women to balance work and family life. Sh'Emerge has benefited over 2,000 women globally, assisting them in finding jobs and internships.
Despite challenges such as funding, Frances continues to push the vision of incorporating more women into the tech industry. Her initiative represents a commitment to education and empowerment, aiming for a more inclusive future in tech where women can thrive and innovate.
